Vibrating device and make-up method using such a device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an assembly for applying a cosmetic or dermatological product, comprising a cosmetic or dermatological product and/or an applicator configured for applying the product to keratinous materials, and a device, devoid of product, for assisting in the application of the product, this device comprising means for removably fastening it to at least one finger and a vibrating source for producing vibrations.

This non provisional application claims the benefit of French Application No. 06 53416 filed on Aug. 21, 2006 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/846,729 filed on Sep. 25, 2006.

The present invention relates to a method for the cosmetic treatment of keratinous materials, especially a make-up method or a method of applying a care product. The invention also relates to the assemblies for implementing such a method.

It is known to provide one's finger or hand with a device that includes a vibrating source so as to carry out massaging or stimulation.

Patents U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,623,481 and 5,356,369 and applications WO 96/32915, US 2003/0181835, WO 02/051348 and US 2004/0020241 describe such devices.

Patent U.S. Pat. No. 7,050,360 describes a watch that includes a vibrating source so as to waken the user more effectively.

Patent application WO 2006/020577 discloses a mascara brush configured so as to oscillate at high speed so as to modify the viscosity of the mascara.

This brush has various drawbacks.

The user cannot modify the direction of vibration of the brush. Its usage is moreover limited to the application of mascara. Finally, the brush is relatively complicated to produce and its cost is high for a usage limited to the amount of product initially contained in the associated container.

There exists a need for further improving the assemblies for applying a product to keratinous materials and for improving the quality of a make-up product or beauty-care product and/or the performance of said products.

There also exists a need to offer novel cosmetic treatment methods to users.

The invention aims to meet at least one of these needs.

Assemblies

According to a first of its aspects, one object of the invention is a kit for applying a cosmetic or dermatological product, comprising:

-   -   a cosmetic or dermatological product and/or an applicator         configured for applying the product to keratinous materials; and     -   a device for assisting in the application of the product, this         device comprising means for removably fastening it to at least         one finger and a vibrating source for producing vibrations.

The invention offers a simple and effective means of improving the application of make-up and/or of a beauty care product and/or of improving the performance of the product.

The vibrations may facilitate product transfer onto the application surface, product spread on the application surface, product charging of the applicator or finger, homogeneity of the application and sliding of the applicator or finger over the treated area and may allow said area to be massaged.

The invention helps to improve the application carried out by means of known applicators thanks to the production of vibrations.

The coverage obtained and the possible optical effects associated with the amount of product deposited may be better controlled by the user.

Depending on the rheology of the products used, the deposited layer may be smoothed better. With a viscous product, the separation of the eyelashes or eyebrow lashes may be better. When the product comprises fibres, the sliding of the latter and their orientation along the eyelashes may be improved.

In the case of application by means of a brush, for example a nail varnish, both the uniformity of the deposited layer and the thickness of the product may be improved. It is possible thanks to the invention to diminish the formation of unattractive streaks when applying the product to a nail.

In the absence of vibrations, the applicator may be designed to retain the product by capillary effect and the vibrations may make the product flow towards the region to be treated or towards an application member.

Finally, when the applicator includes a block of foam or a flocked membrane for example, it is possible thanks to the invention to reduce the risk of removing the product already deposited on the skin by the applicator rubbing against it. The layer of product deposited may be thicker and better distributed irrespective of the nature of the applicator, even when the latter does not have a sufficiently soft coating, for example flocking.

When the applicator comprises a spray device, it is possible thanks to the invention to improve the dispersion of the product in the air and to improve make-up application on all surfaces, including those of small area or uneven surfaces.

The kit may include a packaging means containing the product and/or the applicator and the application assistance device. This packaging means is for example a box, a sachet, a case or a blister pack.

The kit may contain a make-up or beauty care product. The kit may comprise an applicator and the product to be applied. The applicator may be designed to close a container that contains the product.

The fastening means may be designed to be fastened onto at least the index finger, the thumb or the middle finger, on the third phalange of a finger, the second phalange of a finger or the first phalange of a finger.

The fastening means may have at least one annular or semi-annular portion through which the finger may be introduced.

The fastening means may comprise at least one clip that can grip the finger. The clip is for example formed from a split ring. The use of an elastically deformable fastening means, such as a clip, may allow close contact between the application assistance device and the finger or applicator on which the device is fitted.

The fastening means may have at least one structure that can be closed around the finger, especially two portions to be assembled on the finger.

The fastening means may also have a portion in the form of a fingerstall, glove or thimble.

The fastening means may comprise a ring moulded as one piece with at least one portion of the casing of the application assistance device.

The assembly may include a control member for operating the vibrating source. This control member may be one triggered by a depressing action. The control member may be placed in such a way that the depressing action is performed on placing the device on the finger. As a variant, or additionally, the control member may be placed in such a way that the depressing action is performed in response to the device being brought into contact with the applicator. The control member may be provided with a transient contact, the operation of the vibrating source ceasing as soon as the control member is released.

The device may have, close to the control member, at least one non-slip feature made of an elastomer material, for example surrounding the control member, so as to reduce slip of the applicator upon contact with the vibrating source and/or filter the transmitted vibrations. The applicator may bear on the non-slip feature, still triggering the operation of the vibrating source. The non-slip feature is formed for example by one or more ribs, especially annular ribs.

The kit may have two control members for operating the vibrating source, especially on two respective faces of the device.

The kit may comprise a motor for producing vibrations, especially a motor driving a flyweight or an eccentric, a piezoelectric vibrator or an electromechanical vibrator. The vibrating source may also comprise a motor driving a toothed wheel and a contactor consisting for example of a resilient blade applied to this toothed wheel. The rotation speed of the motor may for example be between 4500 and 12 000 rpm, for example between 7000 and 12 000 rpm, for example between 4500 and 8000 rpm. The supply voltage used may for example be from 1.5 V to 3 V. The fundamental frequency of the vibrations produced may be between 1 and 500 Hz, for example from 10 to 300 Hz or from 50 to 200 Hz. The frequency of the vibrations is for example 20 Hz or higher. The frequency may vary according to the location or the pressure with which the vibrations are transmitted. The vibrations may be produced intermittently or continuously. The motor may be contained in a metal casing with the off-centre flyweight, this casing being for example in the form of a disc. If necessary, the casing may serve for supplying power to the motor.

The above motor or casing may be mounted on an elastomer damper, which makes it possible for example to transmit the vibrations at the fundamental frequency and filters out the harmonic vibrations.

The device may include an electrical source. Using a button cell may prove to be advantageous for reducing the overall size of the device. As a variant, the device may contain no electrical source, the latter being present in the applicator. In the case of a button cell and a disc-shaped motor being used, the cell and the motor may be face to face, side by side or the face of one of them may be facing the edge of the other one.

The kit may include an adjustment member allowing the user to adjust the frequency and/or the amplitude of the vibrations and/or to adjust the orientation of the vibrations relative to the fastening means.

The vibrations may be oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the applicator or parallel to it, or in any other orientation.

The amplitude of the vibrations of the applicator during application may for example be 5 mm or less, better still 3 mm or less, microvibrations of the applicator being preferable to vibrations of larger amplitude. Optionally, the amplitude of the vibrations may be larger when taking up the product from a container or when the applicator passes through a wiping member.

The kit may comprise at least two different applicators and/or two different products.

The fastening means may be designed, where appropriate, to allow the device to be fastened to the applicator and/or to a container containing the product.

The application assistance device may comprise a first articulation allowing the vibrating source to be pivoted about a first rotation axis relative to the fastening means and a second articulation allowing the vibrating source to be pivoted about a second axis, perpendicular to the first, relative to the fastening means.

Applicators

The application assistance device may be used to allow a product to be applied by means of an applicator to a region to receive make-up or to be treated. It may be used when picking up the product, when applying it or after its application.

Thanks to the invention, the application assistance device may be coupled to the applicator in a flexible and non-constricting manner, in such a way that it is easy for the user to decide the direction of the vibrations transmitted to the applicator and to vary this direction according to the application to be made and the desired make-up effects.

The assistance device according to the invention may be used with all types of applicator.

The applicator may for example be fastened to a finger, for example bonded or fixed by an adhesive or by cooperation of hooks and loops, or by any other means. As a variant, the applicator may be simply held by the user between the fingers.

The applicator may be designed for applying a product to eyelashes or to hair, and may for example comprise a brush or a comb. The brush may have a twisted core and bristles held between the turns of the core, or it may be produced in any other manner. The comb may for example be made as a single piece by moulding a plastic.

The applicator may also comprise a brush intended for application to the nails, the lips or the skin. The applicator may include bonded or stapled bristles, twisted bristles, a non-woven, a felt, a flocked piece, or a foam.

The applicator may also include a hair application element configured to retain the product by capillary effect, comprising for example a tubular wall and an inner element defining, with the tubular wall, a space for retaining the product by capillary effect. Such an applicator may for example be useful for applying a product to the nails.

As a variant, the applicator may include a thread or a succession of annular striations, the application element being for example formed by a stack of discs. Such an applicator may be intended for applying the product to keratinous fibres.

In one embodiment, the applicator may comprise a ferrule, especially a flocked ferrule, possibly an elastically deformable one.

In one embodiment, the applicator may comprise an elastically compressible and/or porous member, such as for example a foam or an elastomer, possibly a flocked one.

In one embodiment, the applicator may be a felt.

The applicator may be magnetic.

In certain embodiments, the applicator may be fitted on the end of a wand, which may be flexible, thereby contributing to increasing the applicator vibration amplitude and/or improving comfort during application.

The applicator may include a gripping member. The shape of the gripping member may be chosen so as to match the shape of a finger, or so as to improve vibration transmission.

The shape of the gripping member may also be matched to the shape of the application assistance device itself, so as to improve direct vibration transmission between the device and the applicator.

The applicator may or may not include a reserve of product. In the former case, the applicator may include an application element supplied with product via a reserve of product. This reserve may be fastened, removably or not, to the applicator. When the reserve is permanently present on the applicator in order to supply the application element with product, the wall of the reserve may for example serve for gripping the applicator.

The applicator may include a reserve of product communicating with an application element or a delivery orifice via a duct. With no vibration, there may be little or no flow of the product in the duct. With vibration, the product can flow. The user, by bringing his/her finger or the vibrating source into contact or not into contact with the applicator, or by making the latter vibrate or not vibrate, can act on the flow of product.

When the applicator does not include a reserve of product, the product may for example be contained in a container and the applicator may be charged with product by being at least partially introduced into this container. The container may or may not include a wiping member. Optionally, the applicator may include a closure member for a container containing the product to be applied.

The applicator may also comprise a device for spraying a product onto the face or body.

The applicator may be used for picking up the composition to be applied from a container provided with a wiping member or from a product cake.

Contact between the application assistance device and the applicator may be at a discrete point or over an extended area, depending for example on the amplitude, the frequency and the orientation of the vibrations desired, this being adjusted by the user himself/herself according to the arrangement and the orientation of the assistance device relative to the applicator.

Optionally, the applicator may itself include a vibrating source, for example in a gripping member of the applicator or in a closure cap of a container.

It is possible for the assistance device to have no means of fastening it to the applicator.

Application Assistance Devices

Another object of the invention, independently of or in combination with the foregoing, is a device for assisting in the application of a cosmetic or dermatological product, comprising:

-   -   means for fastening it to at least one finger;     -   a vibrating source for producing vibrations; and     -   a depressing-action control member, the operation of the         vibrating source being maintained only as long as the control         member is depressed.

The device may also have two control members. The two control members may for example each be placed on two different faces of the device, for example two opposed faces.

Yet another object of the invention, independently of or in combination with the foregoing, is a device for assisting in the application of a cosmetic or dermatological product, comprising:

-   -   means for fastening it to at least one finger; and     -   a vibrating source for producing vibrations, especially with a         frequency between 1 and 500 Hz, better still between 10 and 300         Hz,         the device not being provided with an electrical source and         having contacts for the purpose of supplying electrical power to         the vibrating source when brought into contact with an         electrical source. Said electrical source may for example be         present on the applicator.

Yet another object of the invention, independently of or in combination with the foregoing, is a device for assisting in the application of a cosmetic or dermatological product, comprising:

-   -   means for fastening it to at least one finger, to a hand or to a         wrist;     -   a vibrating source for creating vibrations; and     -   a member for adjusting the amplitude and/or the frequency and/or         the orientation of the vibrations.

Cosmetic, for Example Make-Up, Treatment Methods

Yet another object of the invention is a cosmetic treatment method in which a cosmetic product is applied to keratinous materials after an application assistance device including a vibrating source has been fastened onto a finger.

The method may be used to apply the product by means of a finger using the tip of the finger as application surface.

As a variant, the product may be applied by means of an applicator.

The application assistance device may not be in contact with the applicator during application of the product.

The application assistance device may be brought into contact with the applicator in order to transmit vibrations to it during application. The vibrations may be exerted during application of the product to the keratinous materials. As a variant, or additionally, the vibrations may be exerted during pick-up of the product.

The vibrations may be produced while picking up the product and/or during application of the product, continuously or discontinuously or intermittently.

The keratinous materials may consist of the skin, the lips, keratinous fibres, especially eyelashes, eyebrows or hair, or else the nails, for example fingernails or toenails.

This method may be used for applying make-up to keratinous fibres, especially eyelashes or eyebrows, or a lock of hair, and allows better separation of the eyelashes to be achieved and/or, when a product containing fibres is used, better orientation of said fibres, and/or easier product pick-up.

The method also makes it possible to deposit, on eyelashes or eyebrows, or on the lock of hair, a smoother and shinier product.

The method according to the invention may also be used to apply a product to the fingernails or toenails, the skin or mucous membranes, for example the lips, and may therefore allow a thicker and/or smoother layer of product to be deposited. This may result in higher shine and greater coverage. The presence of the vibrations may also help to increase the thickness of product deposited. The vibrations may increase the bonding of the product to the treated surface, for example in the case of a lipstick or a nail varnish.

Moreover, in the case of application to the nails, the invention may allow the use, for applying the product, of coarser and/or stiffer bristles without correspondingly resulting in the formation of streaks on the nail. The invention thus makes it possible for example to reduce the number of bristles on brushes used for applying nail varnish.

The vibrations transmitted to the applicator may also facilitate the inflow of product to the applicator, especially when the applicator includes a reserve of product supplying an application surface.

The invention may also allow the product to be more easily spread over the surface to be treated.

For example in the case of a blusher, the invention may provide a better colour uniformity, and in the case of an eye shadow or a concealer product, it may provide more homogeneous deposition.

The product may be applied hot or cold.

The vibrating device may be used for finishing off a make-up application, or on a region already with make-up or a region with product applied beforehand, by means of an applicator without the use of the assistance device.

The product may be picked up from a container, by dipping the applicator or a finger into it. During pick-up, the applicator or the finger may be subjected to the vibrations of the vibrating device thereby making it possible, where appropriate, to obtain a more homogeneous charge of product on the applicator or finger.

When the container includes a wiping member through which the applicator is withdrawn, said applicator may also be subjected to vibrations as it passes through the wiping member. This makes it possible to wipe the applicator differently from when the applicator is not vibrated. Thus, the user may for example choose between at least two degrees of wiping of the applicator, depending on whether or not the applicator vibrates during passage through the wiping member. The wiping member may have an opening considerably wider than the possible wand of the applicator.

As a variant, it is also possible to vibrate, by means of the vibrating device of the invention, the container containing the product and the wiping member, for example.

Independently of the nature of the applicator and of that of the product to be applied, a method according to the invention may include the possibility of the user adjusting the vibration frequency and/or adjusting the vibration amplitude, for example by acting on an adjustment member.

The make-up method may include the application of a product to certain parts of the body or of the face by making the applicator or the portion of the body vibrate or to other parts of the body or face without making the applicator or the portion of the body vibrate so as to obtain different make-up effects, for example different shines.

The method may also include the charging of the applicator or the finger with product, when the latter is in the form of a compacted powder, by making the applicator or the finger vibrate when in contact with the powder.

The assistance device may be used to make an applicator vibrate via the finger or directly. The same device may be used in both these configurations, depending on its position on the user.

For example, the device may be placed on one side of a finger or on the other side, thus coming directly into contact with the applicator or not.

The device may come into contact with the applicator via an applicator face oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the applicator.

As a variant, the applicator may come into contact with the assistance device via an applicator face oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the applicator.

According to yet another of its aspects, an object of the invention is a method of applying a make-up or beauty-care cosmetic product to keratinous materials for the purpose of forming a visible coating on the keratinous materials, which comprises:

-   -   forming a coating of product on the keratinous materials;     -   at the same time as forming the coating or afterwards,         subjecting said coating to a vibratory movement by means of the         assistance device as defined above; and     -   leaving the coating on the keratinous fibres, where is may dry.

The product may for example be deposited on keratinous fibres, especially the eyelashes, eyebrows and hair, or on the mucous membranes, the lips, the fingernails and toenails, the eyelids, around the eyes, on the face and/or on the body. In particular, the method appears to be very advantageous for applying a product to the nails, lips or keratinous fibres.

The product is for example a product intended to be applied to the nails, the skin, the keratinous fibres, especially to the eyelashes, eyebrows and hair, or to mucous membranes, for example the lips, being for example a mascara, a nail varnish, a lipstick, a lip gloss, a foundation, a blusher, an eye shadow, an undereye concealer, an eyeliner, a concealer product or a self-tanning product, this list not being exhaustive.

The product may for example be different from a toothpaste or a product intended for dermabrasion and may in particular include pigments, especially non-food pigments. The product may comprise fibres, flakes or other macroscopic elements. The product may have magnetic properties, where appropriate.

The product may also be a beauty-care product, especially a product that reduces marks on the skin, an anti-wrinkle product, a product for reducing bags under the eyes, a body product or a root treatment product, especially for encouraging hair growth. The product may also be a massage product for the face or body.

The invention may be more clearly understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof and on examining the appended drawing in which:

FIG. 1 shows schematically, in elevation, an example of an assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic and partial longitudinal sectional view of the application assistance device of the assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates the use of the assembly when picking up the product;

FIGS. 4 to 7 illustrate variants of the assembly, during use;

FIG. 8 shows, in schematic longitudinal section, one embodiment of the application assistance device;

FIGS. 9 and 10 show examples of packaging systems;

FIG. 11 shows partly applicator examples;

FIG. 12 shows another applicator example in partial longitudinal section;

FIGS. 13 to 16 are views of other examples of packaging and application devices that may be used with the application assistance device;

FIGS. 17 to 19 show examples of how the member for controlling the operation of the vibrating source is positioned on the application assistance device;

FIGS. 20 to 24 illustrate other examples of means for fastening the device to one's finger or hand;

FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate two ways among others of using the application assistance device;

FIG. 27 illustrates the fitting of the application assistance device to an applicator;

FIG. 28 illustrates the possibility of fastening the application assistance device to a container containing the product to be applied;

FIGS. 29 to 32 illustrate various options of orienting the vibrations relative to the fastening means;

FIG. 33 shows, in elevation, an assistance device in which the orientation of the vibrating source may be modified relative to the fastening means;

FIG. 34 shows an application assistance device offering the possibility of adjusting the amplitude of the vibrations;

FIG. 35 shows, in top view, another example of a device produced in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 36 is a view similar to FIG. 35 after rotation of the device through one quarter of a turn relative to the means for fastening it to the finger;

FIG. 37 is a side view on XXXVII of FIG. 35;

FIG. 38 is a view similar to FIG. 37 after rotation of the device about itself;

FIGS. 39 to 41 show, in elevation, various examples of how a device produced in accordance with the invention is positioned on an applicator;

FIGS. 42 and 43 illustrate embodiment details of application assistance devices; and

FIG. 44 shows, in elevation, with a cut-away, an alternative embodiment of the application assistance device.

FIG. 1 shows a kit 1 according to the invention, comprising, on the one hand, a container 2 that contains a product to be applied to keratinous materials, for example a cosmetic or dermatological product, especially a make-up product, and, on the other hand, an application assistance device 3.

This device 3 comprises, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a vibrating source 4 and means 5 for fastening it to a portion of the body, in this case a finger in the example illustrated. These fastening means 3 are for example formed by a ring, either a closed ring or a split ring.

The vibrating source 4 comprises one or more components generating vibrations when supplied with electricity and allows these vibrations to be transmitted to an application surface serving for picking up and/or applying the product, so as to facilitate this pick-up and/or improve the characteristics of the application and/or the characteristics of the product.

In the example considered here, the device 3 comprises a case 8 which houses the vibrating source 4 and an electrical source 6 for supplying the vibrating source 4 with electricity, for example one or more cells or batteries. The device 3 is relatively small and the case 8 is flat, for example formed by two discs.

The invention is not limited to a device 3 in which the vibrating source 4 is supplied by an electrical source 6 housed in the case of the device, as will be used as an example later.

The vibrating source 4 may be produced in various ways and comprises, for example, an electric motor for rotating a flyweight or an eccentric, the vibrating source being for example chosen from those used for producing vibrators in mobile telephones. The vibrating source 4 may also comprise a piezoelectric or electromechanical vibrator. The above motor is for example a disc-shaped motor. The motor may be contained with the eccentric flyweight in a casing, for example a metal disc-shaped casing.

The invention is not limited to one particular orientation of the rotation axis of the motor, and the vibrating source 4 may be placed so as to generate vibrations that may be oriented in various ways, as will be explained in detail later. The case 8 is for example produced with at least two parts 9 and 10 which are assembled after the vibrating source 4 and the electrical source 6, and various electrical connection and operating control means, have been fitted.

The parts 9 and 10 may be chosen so as to be fastened together in a removable or non-removable manner, depending on whether or not it is desired to be able to replace the electrical source 6 once it has become exhausted.

The vibrating source 4 may for example be fastened to one of the parts 9 and 10 and the electrical source 6 fastened to the other part, as illustrated, but as a variant the vibrating source 4 and the electrical source 6 may be fastened to the same part 9 or 10.

The fastening means 5 may, where appropriate, be produced with one of the parts, for example that supporting the electrical source 6 and/or the vibrating source 4, as a single component by moulding a plastic.

The device 3 may optionally be produced with a hatch allowing the electrical source 6 to be replaced without having to dismantle the case 8.

The device 3 may be operated by means of a control member 13, which is for example one triggered by a depressing action and which is for example arranged so as to be actuated when fitting the fastening means 5 onto the finger, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

The control member 13 may be produced in various ways and may comprise a flexible metal blade that closes an electrical circuit when said blade is deformed by the user.

The control member 13 may be a transient contact device, that is to say one arranged in such a way that the operation takes place only when an action is exerted from above by the user. As a variant, the device may include a timing circuit ensuring operation for a predefined time after a brief actuation. Again as a variant, the operation may be controlled by pressing the control member 13 and then stopped by pressing it again.

When the vibrating source 4 is supplied, the device 3 transmits its vibrations to the finger and to the application surface.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the product contained in the container 2 is picked up by the finger, and the vibrating source 4 may operate as from this pick-up. This may for example help to improve pick-up, especially by making it easier to break up the product when it is a cake or a compacted powder. As a variant, the device 3 does not operate during pick-up but only during application. Again as a variant, the device 3 operates during pick-up and during application.

The application assistance device 3 may also be used with an applicator, which may take various forms and especially be included with the product in the kit 1. As a variant, the latter may comprise only the assistance device and the applicator.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the applicator is for example an applicator 15 designed to be also attached to the finger, for example by means of an adhesive or other means. Examples of such applicators are disclosed in particular in Patent Applications US 2004/0031723 and FR 2 432 287, the content of which is incorporated here for reference.

In the example shown in FIG. 5 in particular, the applicator 15′ comprises a wand 16 and a gripping member 17 which may also constitute a closure member for a container containing the product, the gripping member 17 having for this purpose for example an internally threaded skirt.

The wand 16 bears, on the opposite side from the gripping member 17, an application element that may be chosen according to the treatment to be carried out (this element not being shown in FIG. 5).

The gripping member 17 is for example gripped during use between the thumb and the index finger or middle finger, and the device 3 is for example worn by one of these three fingers, in this case the index finger in the example shown in FIG. 5.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the fastening means 5 consist for example of a ring into which the finger is introduced, this ring being for example made as a single component with at least one portion of the case 8.

The fastening means 5 may also be at least partly attached to the case 8, especially removably attached, so as to allow the use of fastening means having several sizes, depending on the size of the user's fingers.

The fastening means 5, especially the ring illustrated, may also be produced where appropriate from an elastically deformable material, so as to make it easier to adapt to various finger sizes.

When the device 3 is in place on the finger, it may come into contact with the latter only via the fastening means 5 or, as a variant, also via the face 20 of the case 8 turned towards the fastening means 5. This may possibly improve the transmission of the vibrations to the finger. The fastening means may where appropriate include means of adjustment to the size of the user's finger, for example thanks to a portion that can move relative to the case 8.

Optionally, the device 3 may include adjustment means for varying the area of the surface of the device 3 in contact with the finger, so as to vary the ease with which the vibrations are transmitted.

The fastening means 5 may occupy a fixed position relative to the longitudinal axis of the case 8. As a variant, the fastening means 5 may be able to move relative to the case, for example so as to bring the vibrating source 4 closer to or further away from the fastening means 5 and to promote or not the transfer of the vibrations, depending for example on the make-up to be applied.

When the fastening means comprise a ring, this may cover a relatively large portion of the finger. The axial dimension of the ring may thus, for example, be substantially equal to, or even greater than, the length of the case.

The invention is not limited to particular fastening means 5, and in the example shown in FIG. 6 these comprise a clip having two arcuate branches 22 that grip the finger between them. This may increase the number of options of using the device 3, especially by allowing it to be fastened to the desired phalange, so as for example for the device 3 to be further away from or closer to the application surface. It may also allow the device to be fastened more easily to fingers of different sizes, or even directly on a portion of the applicator or of the container.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the device 3 is in the form of a fingerstall or thimble, depending on the length of finger covered.

The fastening means 5 are for example in the form of a sleeve open at one end, the device 3 entirely covering the distal end of the finger, for example only the third phalange or, as a variant, the third and second phalanges.

The aforementioned sleeve may be made of a rigid or flexible material, depending for example on the desired comfort and the desired vibration transmission quality.

When the vibration transmission has to be via the finger, a rigid interface between the finger and the device may be preferable so as to reduce the vibration damping.

When the vibration transmission takes place by contact between the applicator 15′ and the device 3, the aforementioned interface may be more flexible.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the control member 13 is for example placed inside the device 3 in such a way that introducing the finger automatically triggers the operation of the vibrating source. As a variant, the control member 13 may be actuated from outside the device 3, for example when the latter comes into contact with the applicator.

FIG. 8 shows one embodiment variant of the application assistance device 3.

This figure shows that the control member 13 may be located facing the fastening means 5.

The control member 13 may comprise a plastic pusher serving to flex an elastically deformable conducting plate 13 a connected to the electrical source 6 in order to make it touch a contact 4 a electrically connected to the motor. The vibrating source 4 and the electrical source 6 are placed side by side, these generally being flat, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device 3.

FIG. 43 illustrates the possibility of the vibrating source 4 being connected to a wall 3 a of the device 3 via an elastically deformable block 4 c through which the vibrations pass. This block 4 c may act as a frequency filter by attenuating the harmonic vibrations while letting through the vibrations at the fundamental frequency.

It may be seen in FIG. 44 that the vibrating source 4 may comprise a motor 4 g rotating a toothed wheel 4 h and a blade 4 i rubbing on the toothed wheel 4 h.

The kit 1 may be offered to the user in a packaging system 30 that may take various forms, for example in the form of a package in which the device 3 and the product and/or the applicator are contained. This may for example be a box, a blister pack, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a sachet or a case, which may for example comprise a base part 31 and a lid 32 hinged to the base part or able to be removably fastened to the latter, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

The packaging system 30 may house, apart from the device 3, an applicator 15′, which may for example be designed to allow several application elements 35 to be fastened. The packaging system 30 may also comprise one or more applicators 15 that may be fastened directly to a finger.

FIG. 11 illustrates various examples of applicators or application elements 35 that may be present in the packaging system 30 and/or used with the device 3, especially a comb for the eyelashes or eyebrows, a brush, a mascara brush, a foam ferrule, a felt-tip eyeliner pen, a flocked ferrule and a capillary applicator capable of retaining product by capillarity.

The applicator may also include, where appropriate, as illustrated in FIG. 12, a sheath 38 that may at least partly surround the application element 35 and/or the wand 16 so as to constitute a reserve of product.

The product may also be applied for example by means of a lipstick-type conditioning/application device as illustrated in FIG. 13, the product being for example in the form of a stick or a cake of product, or a compacted powder, or being contained in a fluid form in the device and dispensed through a ferrule 39, as illustrated in FIG. 14. The applicator may also, in a variant not illustrated, include a roll-on applicator ball or an applicator roller.

The applicator may also be a block of porous material, such as for example a foam or frit. The applicator may be detachable from the container 2 containing the product P, as illustrated in FIG. 15, or it may remain integral with the container 2 during application, as illustrated in FIG. 16.

The control member 13 may be located other than on the side having the fastening means 5, for example on the opposite face 29 of the case 8, as illustrated in FIG. 17. This may for example allow the vibrating source to be operated only when it comes into contact with the applicator 15′, as illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26.

The device 3 may also have, as illustrated in FIG. 18, two control members 13 a and 13 b located on the same side as the fastening means 5 and on the opposite side 29, respectively, so as for example to constitute an additional safety feature, it being for example necessary for both the control member 13 a and the control member 13 b to be simultaneously depressed in order to operate the vibrating source. This prevents an inopportune triggering.

The control member 13 may also be in the form of a switch that is not automatically actuated when the device is placed on the finger or when it is in contact with the applicator, as illustrated in FIG. 19.

The control member may, in alternative embodiments (not shown), be in the form of a switch with a grazing action, or even a contactless switch operating by capacitive effect, or else in the form of a voice control or temperature-sensitive control or when operating by pressure exerted on the fastening means. The vibrating source 4 may also be operated or stopped by the placement of the electrical source 6, when the latter is housed in the case 8 for the device 3 or when the source 6 is housed in the applicator, by establishing an electrical contact between the applicator and the device 3.

The fastening means 5 may be produced in various ways and, as illustrated in FIG. 20, may for example comprise an arch-shaped portion closed by the case 8. As a variant, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the fastening means 5 may comprise a flexible structure provided for example with a first catching means 40 that can cooperate with a second catching means 41 provided on the case 8, for example catching means of the Velcro® type comprising hooks and loops, or any other catching means, such as for example a snap fastener, magnetic adhesive, snap-fastening, zip, bracelet or lace-up fastening, the fastening means 5 then being able in this case to include, for example, two ties, each attached to the case and to be knotted around the finger or thumb. When one of the catching means is an adhesive, this may or may not be repositionable.

The case 8 of the device 3 may also comprise two parts 9 and 10 that can move one relative to the other and can be closed around the finger, for example two hinged parts as illustrated in FIG. 22 or two parts to be joined together, as illustrated in FIG. 23, assembly taking place for example by snap-fastening, by a slide, by magnetic or other fastening, for example thanks to an attached locking element. The device 3 may also be held on the finger or hand by means of a glove, which may be a complete glove as illustrated in FIG. 24 or may be engaged only on certain fingers, in the manner of a cyclist's glove.

In a variant (not illustrated) relating to an example of the way in which the treatment method according to the invention is implemented, the device 3 does not include fastening means, it being held in the palm of one's hand or between two fingers in the interdigital region during application or pick-up.

Depending on the way in which the assistance device is brought into contact with the applicator or depending on the way in which the assistance device is positioned on the finger, it is possible for example to modify the orientation of the vibrations transmitted to the applicator.

This may for example be useful when applying make-up depending on the desired effect, the orientation of the vibrations transmitted to the applicator being in the case of applying make-up to the eyelashes preferably oriented parallel to the lashes in order to smooth the product thereon.

FIG. 25 illustrates contact between the applicator 15′ and the face 29 of the device 3 opposite the finger, along a generatrix of the gripping member 17, while in the example shown in FIG. 26 the contact between the device 3 and the gripping member 17 takes place on the end 50 thereof. In this figure, the device 3 may advantageously include a control member that is actuated by the applicator 15′ being brought into contact with the device 3, in particular when a certain pressure is exerted by the applicator 15′ on the device 3, thereby guaranteeing good vibration transmission.

With one and the same device 3, it is possible to vibrate an application element in various ways depending on the region of the applicator where the vibrating source is applied. For example, the finger provided with the device 3 may be moved around on the applicator in order to obtain different vibrations.

FIG. 27 illustrates the possibility of producing the fastening means 5 in such a way that they can be fixed directly to the applicator, especially to the gripping member 17. In such an embodiment in particular, the electrical source may be contained in the gripping member 17, the latter having for example two electrical contacts for transmitting the current needed for the vibrating source contained in the device 3.

The electrical contacts of the device 3 may be present on the case or on the fastening means 5.

Where appropriate, a miniature electrical cord may be provided between the applicator and the device 3.

In the embodiment variant illustrated in FIG. 28, the device 3 is designed to be able to be removably fixed onto the container 2 containing the product to be applied, especially when not in use or when picking up the product.

The applicator may be designed to be fixed onto the container 2 when not in use, so as to close the latter. The gripping member 17 may include a housing 51 for fastening the device 3 onto the applicator so as to be integral with the applicator. Such fastening may improve the transmission of the vibrations from the device 3 to the applicator. This may also allow the electrical source 6 to be housed in the applicator. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the device 3 may include means 5 for fastening onto the finger (these not being shown in this figure).

Various vibration orientations of the vibrating source 4 relative to the fastening means 5 are possible, as illustrated in FIGS. 29 to 32, but these do not represent all possibilities. For example, the vibrating source may vibrate transversely to the axis F of the finger, as illustrated in FIG. 29, substantially parallel to the axis F of the finger as illustrated in FIG. 30, substantially perpendicular to the axis F of the finger and also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the case 8, as illustrated in FIG. 31, or else obliquely relative to the axis F of the finger, as illustrated in FIG. 32.

The orientation of the vibrations may be fixed relative to the fastening means 5 or may be adjustable, for example by using an articulation 80 between the case 8 and the fastening means 5, as illustrated in FIG. 33, or by mounting fastening means on the case that offer several orientation options.

In a variant, the device 3 may have two vibrating sources that vibrate along different directions and a means of selecting one or other of these vibrating sources depending on the desired direction of the vibrations.

The device 3 may also include a means of adjusting the amplitude of the vibrations, for example an electronic means such as a rotary potentiometer or a cursor potentiometer or one or more control keys that make it possible for example to adjust the amplitude of the voltage or of the current supplied to the vibrating source.

The device 3 may also include a mechanical means for acting on the amplitude of the vibrations, for example a cursor 60 that is used to modify the position and/or the orientation of the vibrating source inside the case 8 and/or to bring or not bring a damping element into contact with said source and/or to modify the pressure exerted by a damping element on the vibrating source and/or to act on the way in which the vibrating source is fastened to the case 8.

FIGS. 35 to 38 show another embodiment variant of the device 3.

In this example, the case housing the vibrating source is mounted so as to be able to rotate relative to the fastening means 5 about a first axis K₁, thanks to an articulation element 180.

This makes it possible to orient the case together with its longitudinal axis substantially parallel to that of the finger, as illustrated in FIG. 35, or with its longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the finger, as illustrated in FIG. 36.

This may allow the orientation of the vibrations transmitted to the finger to be modified.

In the example considered here, the case may also rotate relative to the articulation element 180 about a second axis of rotation K₂, thereby allowing the orientation of the vibrations to be modified relative to the finger, it being possible for example for the case to rotate through a quarter of a turn between the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 37 and 38.

In a variant (not illustrated), the element 180 is fixed relative to the fastening means 5 and only the case can rotate about the axis K₂.

The fastening means 5 may make it possible, where appropriate, as illustrated in FIGS. 39 to 41, to mount the device 3 on the applicator at various levels and/or with various orientations, depending for example on the intensity and/or the orientation of the desired vibrations.

FIG. 42 illustrates the possibility of providing, close to the control member 13, at least one non-slip feature 200, for example of annular shape. Such a feature 200, produced for example by overmoulding an elastomer material onto the case housing the vibrating source, may improve the transmission of the vibrations between the vibrating source and the applicator to which the vibrations have to be transmitted. The feature 200 comprises, for example, one or more annular ribs.

The invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described. In particular, it is possible to combine the particular aspects of the various examples illustrated within variants that are not illustrated. For example, any of the devices 3 may be equipped with any of the fastening means 5.

The invention is not limited to one particular applicator, and the latter may especially be provided with a means for heating the product and/or the eyelashes during application.

Where appropriate, the device 3 may be designed so as to be able to be recharged with electricity, by being rested on a socket, or may be mains-powered via a possible transformer.

The applicators used may where appropriate be disposable applicators.

The product may have any rheology and consistency. For example, the product may be a paste, a gel, a liquid or a powder, whether compacted or free.

The product may be applied, especially when the invention is carried out for applying a product to keratinous fibres, after the product has been heated, for example by placing it in a microwave oven.

The expression “comprising a” or “including a” must be understood as being synonymous with “comprising at least one” or “including at least one”, unless specified otherwise.

Although the present invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. Kit for applying a cosmetic or dermatological product, comprising: a cosmetic or dermatological product and/or an applicator configured for applying the product to keratinous materials; and a device, devoid of product, for assisting in the application of the product, this device comprising means for removably fastening it to at least one finger and a vibrating source for producing vibrations.
 2. Kit according to claim 1, which includes a packaging means containing the product and/or the applicator and the application assistance device.
 3. Kit according to claim 1, containing a make-up product.
 4. Kit according to claim 1, comprising an applicator and the product to be applied.
 5. Kit according to claim 4, the applicator being designed to close a container that contains the product.
 6. Kit according to claim 1, the fastening means being configured to be fastened onto at least the index finger, the thumb or the middle finger, on the third phalange of a finger, the second phalange of a finger or the first phalange of a finger.
 7. Kit according to claim 1, the fastening means having at least one annular or semi-annular portion through which the finger may be introduced.
 8. Kit according to claim 1, the fastening means comprising at least one clip that can grip the finger.
 9. Kit according to claim 1, the fastening means having at least one structure that can be closed around the finger.
 10. Kit according to claim 1, the fastening means having a portion in the form of a fingerstall, glove or thimble.
 11. Kit according to claim 1, the fastening means having two portions to be assembled on the finger.
 12. Kit according to claim 1, including a control member for operating the vibrating source.
 13. Kit according to claim 12, the control member being one triggered by a depressing action.
 14. Kit according to claim 13, the control member being placed in such a way that the depressing action is performed on placing the device on the finger.
 15. Kit according to claim 13, the control member being placed in such a way that the depressing action is performed in response to the device being brought into contact with the applicator.
 16. Kit according to claim 1, which has two control members for operating the vibrating source, especially on two respective faces of the device.
 17. Kit according to claim 1, the vibrating source comprising one of a motor for producing vibrations, a motor driving a flyweight or an eccentric, a piezoelectric vibrator or an electromechanical vibrator.
 18. Kit according to claim 16, the vibrating source comprising a disc-shaped motor.
 19. Kit according to claim 1, the device including an electrical source.
 20. Kit according to claim 1, the device containing no electrical source, the latter being present in the applicator.
 21. Kit according to claim 1, which includes an adjustment member allowing the user to adjust the frequency and/or the amplitude of the vibrations.
 22. Kit according to claim 1, the device allowing the orientation of the vibrations relative to the fastening means to be adjusted.
 23. Kit according to claim 1, which comprises at least two different applicators and/or two different products.
 24. Kit according to claim 1, the fastening means being designed to allow the device to be fastened to the applicator and/or to a container containing the product.
 25. Kit according to claim 1, the frequency of the vibrations of the vibrating source ranging from 1 Hz to 500 Hz.
 26. Kit according to claim 12, the device having a non-slip feature close to the control member.
 27. Kit according to claim 1, the product being for external usage.
 28. Cosmetic treatment method in which a cosmetic product is applied to keratinous materials after an application assistance device of a kit as defined in claim 1 has been fastened onto a finger, said device including a vibrating source but not containing a product.
 29. Method of applying make-up to keratinous materials, in which a make-up product is applied to the keratinous materials after an application assistance device that includes a vibrating source has been fastened onto a finger or in which such a device, containing no product, is held in one's hand or between two fingers during application.
 30. Method according to claim 29, in which the application assistance device is fastened to a finger.
 31. Method according to claim 29, in which the product is applied by means of a finger using the tip of the finger as application surface.
 32. Method according to claim 29, in which the product is applied by means of an applicator.
 33. Method according to claim 32, in which the application assistance device is not in contact with the applicator during application of the product.
 34. Method according to claim 29, in which the application assistance device is brought into contact with the applicator in order to transmit vibrations to it during application.
 35. Method according to claim 29, in which the vibrations are exerted during application of the product to the keratinous materials.
 36. Method according to claim 29, in which the vibrations are exerted during pick-up of the product.
 37. Method according to claim 29, in which the keratinous materials consist of the skin.
 38. Method according to claim 29, in which the keratinous materials consist of the lips.
 39. Method according to claim 29, in which the keratinous materials consist of keratinous fibres, especially eyelashes, eyebrows or hair.
 40. Method according to claim 29, the keratinous materials consisting of the nails.
 41. Method according to claim 32, in which the assistance device comes into contact with the applicator via an applicator face oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the applicator.
 42. Method according to claim 32, in which the applicator comes into contact with the assistance device via an applicator face oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the applicator.
 43. Device for assisting in the application of a cosmetic or dermatological product, comprising: removable means for fastening it to at least one finger; a vibrating source for producing vibrations; and a depressing-action control member, the operation of the vibrating source being maintained only as long as the control member is depressed.
 44. Device for assisting in the application of a cosmetic or dermatological product, comprising: removable means for fastening it to at least one finger; and a vibrating source for producing vibrations, the device not being provided with an electrical source and having contacts for the purpose of supplying electrical power to the vibrating source when brought into contact with an electrical source.
 45. Device for assisting in the application of a cosmetic or dermatological product, comprising: removable means for fastening it to at least one finger; a vibrating source for creating vibrations; and a member for adjusting the amplitude and/or the frequency and/or the orientation of the vibrations. 